Youngsters Randall & Gibbs Strike As Dudu Comes Close

Croatian forward Eduardo made his long-awaited comeback this evening as Arsenal Reserves secured victory over Portsmouth at Barnet’s Underhill stadium.

The 25-year-old sustained a fractured left leg and dislocated ankle in Arsenal’s 2-2 draw at Birmingham in the Premier League last term which some believed could end the frontman’s career.

Despite the doubters, ‘Dudu’ managed to get 45 minutes under his belt in what proved to be an impressive performance.

Neat footwork and clever balls were a mainstay of Eduardo’s game last season, and 10 months later Edu’s class shone through once more.

After coming close early on with a weak effort, Arsenal’s goal-poacher put a touch of magic on the Underhill grass just minutes before the half time whistle. He took the ball down and within seconds, flashed a shot which caught Pompey ‘keeper Begovic by surprise and went wide after the Bulgarian got a fingertip to it.

Unfortunately for the hundreds of Gooners inside Underhill and the thousands watching at home, Eduardo’s game came to the end when he was replaced by Amaury Bischoff.

The fans continued to show their support for the player who will now end up like a ‘new-signing’ for Arsenal, and Arsene Wenger was probably thinking the same thing after watching Eduardo’s first half performance.

Spanish midfield sensation Fran Merida capped off a fine display with an assist for Mark Randall. Close pal of Fabregas, Merida played a fantastic pin-point ball straight through to Randall who sidefooted home to the fans’ delight.

Kieran Gibbs secured the 3 points late on with a cracking drive that almost burst the Underhill net open.

It proved to be one of the final moments in what was a wonderful result all-round for the Gunners.

Update: Eduardo sustained a hamstring injury in the closing stages of the first half so he is ruled out of games against Liverpool, Villa and Portsmouth.